State sees increase in nursing turnover, vacancy rates

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri saw an increase in the turnover and vacancy rates for nurses in 2025, according to data provided by the Missouri Hospital Association.

A report shows the nursing turnover rate was at 18.9% in 2025, compared to 16.1% in 2024, bucking a four-year downward trend. The vacancy rate also increased 10.9% in 2025 compared to 10.1% in 2024. The vacancy rate also was seeing a downward trend the same four years.

Central Missouri has the highest turnover rate in the state for the registered nurse workforce at 28.8%. West Central Missouri is second with 22.1%, while the Northeast region is 21.1%. Mid-Missouri’s vacancy rate sits at 9.7%

Overall for the healthcare workforce, the state saw a 23.7% turnover rate, which is 1.5% higher than 2024. The vacancy rate sits at 10.1%, which increased from 9.7%.